How does this happern?

 

17 years ago, this amazing kid came into my life.  We've learned so much in these past 17 years.  Austin has made me smile and cry with happy tears, he has frustrated me and made me stretch and grow, he has amazed me with his brilliance and charm, he has annoyed me with his carefree and laid back attitude, he has melted my heart with his kindness and gentleness.  He is a HUGE part of who I am.  

A few days before his birthday he was able to take 6 friends to a Real Salt Lake soccer game.  They came early to celebrate with a great pizza party and a lot of noise.  I think they had a great time.

On Austin's actual birthday we celebrated in the evening...Austin is not a morning person and we were waiting on a few Amazon deliveries anyways, so it worked out just great. 

 Later that night we had cake and ice cream with some family members.  He was touched by our rendition of Happy Birthday and was able to blow out all 17 candles in one breath (and a little through the nose at the end).

He had a great birthday and received some amazing presents from loved ones.  Thank you to all his family and friends that made his birthday so special.  I am trying to forget the fact that Austin pointed out to me that this is his last birthday at home.  We shall see...

New Carpet

 After we had some water damage in the back room, the landlord agreed to replace the carpet in that room.  I got a bid and the next thing I knew they were coming to replace the carpet in two hours.  I had to move all the books off of 3 bookshelves and clean off the desk.  Luckily, my boys got home with 30 minutes to spare and were able to move out the bookshelves, couch, and desk before the carpet installers arrived.  I'm glad they were such good helpers.

Shooting

 

On Labor day, Dave and some other family and kids went shooting in the west desert of Utah.  They had a great time shooting clay pigeons and having competitions along the way.  Kim and Mayce were able to learn to shoot and Mayce even hit a pigeon!

Evan loves having his shotgun that he got for his birthday.  He begs Dave to take him shooting and just took the first part of his hunter safety course to be able to go hunting.  It looks fun!

Donut Falls Hike

 

With Grandma in town we headed up the canyon for an afternoon hike to Donut Falls.  It's was a nice afternoon and everyone did very well.  Once we arrived at the falls, some of us went rock climbing all the way to the top.  Others stayed at the bottom and played in the rocks and trees there.

All in all we had a great afternoon and enjoyed the canyon and each other!

Austin For Historian

Austin decided to run for student body officer this year and he decided to run for Historian. He was allowed to make 2 posters.  Ethan came up with the great slogan, "Make your Historian A SMITH-sonian" and Austin liked it.  So we made the posters and he will give his speech Thursday and voting will be Friday.  Good luck Austin!

Smith Family Photo Shoot 2013

 A few weeks ago we gathered almost all of our family for a family photo shoot.  I got the disc in the mail today.  I now have a photo of each family, each couple, and each child from that day.

 

The Cederlofs

  

 The Hardings

 The Smiths

 

 The Carmans

 

 The Smiths

 The Davenports

 Kim Smith

 The Pattersons

Mom and Dad Smith!

First Day SAHS 2013-2014

 So today was the first day of school for my Sophomore and Senior.  They thought they were too old to have to get first day of school pictures, but, as we all know, children are never too old for their mother to want to remember these milestones.  So I got out the camera and snapped some impromptu photos of the boys as they were about to leave.

Austin fell back to sleep during family prayer and didn't move for 10 minutes or so.

 When it was time to leave Ethan tried to avoid the camera at all costs and yet I was able to snap a quick picture of him as he went from the trunk of the car to get in the passenger seat. 

 I hope these two will have great years.  They are such fun boys and they are good kids.  I'm so proud of them!  I can't believe Austin is a senior and that this is my last "first day of school" picture of him.  Next year we will be dropping him off at college somewhere to live all on his own!  Wow!  He's almost ready though...he's been growing up and learning to be independent and doing a fine job!  He is hilarious and care free and super smart and quirky!

 

Ethan will also have a fabulous year.  He's a sophomore now and he is a kind, generous, obedient, thoughtful, gentle soul.  I couldn't be prouder of my boys!